Bihar Government Orders Judicial Transfers; Asitabh Kumar Appointed Chief Judge in Nalanda
The Bihar government has announced judicial transfers, promoting Asitabh Kumar to Chief Judge of the Family Court in Nalanda. Bihar Government Orders Judicial Transfers; Asitabh Kumar Appointed Chief Judge in Nalanda
DM orders 48-hour deadline for pending works at Sita Kund
Kalidas Rangalaya remains shut as revamp work misses deadline
Classroom floats, but lessons refuse to stop
Govt partners with CAF, Ahmedabad for satellite township planning
Over 71,000 traffic, transport challans settled in state
PMC collects Rs93 lakh property tax in one-day drive
Floods disrupt studies of 3.73 lakh students in Bihar
Three-day yellow alert for rain, thunderstorm in Bihar
Timely, transparent delivery of govt benefits priority: Minister
Vinay Kumar goes on 21-day leave, Preeta Verma gets Bihar additional DGP charge
Bihar facing severe floods despite low rainfall: CM
RJD invites Nitish to form govt as UCC sparks debate
Samrat orders urgent repairs to flood-damaged rural roads
Chouhan to visit Bihar today to assess flood situation
Telangana: Case Registered Against Tenant Farmer After Lorry Cleaner Dies From Electric Fence
The deceased was identified as Rupesh Kumar, 21, of Bihar: Reports
Cabinet clears Rs3,516cr for Gaya temple area development, Sone-Falgu link
Chancellor curbs AKU VCs powers amid university row
JD-U renaming on cards? Bihar Dy CM says decision after party's national executive meet
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 15 (IANS) As the proposal to rename the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) after former Bihar Chief Minister and party supremo Nitish Kumar gains ground, the Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary on Tuesday hinted that a decision to this effect was 'very much possible' and may see light of the day soon. Vijay Choudhary, a senior JD-U legislator from Sarairanjan constituency said that party's National Working President Sanjay Jha has proposed renaming 'Janata Dal-United' to 'Janata Dal Nitish' and a final decision to this effect will be taken after deliberations and discussions on the issue, at the upcoming National Executive and the National Council meet. Nitish Kumar, currently a Rajya Sabha member, is the JD-U National President. Sanjay Jha, calling for change in the party's name had said that this was being mulled to honour Nitish Kumar's political philosophy and principles and to ensure that the future generation of leaders understand the gravity of his contributions in shaping Bihar's growth trajectory. Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) however remained unconvinced with such justification and said that this was an effort to prevent the vertical split that the party was staring at, in the backdrop of Nitish Kumar's exit from active politics. Earlier, an ally of the ruling NDA proposed renaming Bakhtiyarpur, the birthplace of Nitish Kumar, after him. Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM), a key ally of NDA suggested that Bakhtiyarpur, birthplace of Nitish Kumar, be renamed 'Nitishpur', which got endorsement from LJP-RV President Chirag Paswan. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary also spoke on the JD-U's opposition to launch of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and said that it was too premature to speak on party's stance on the matter. He said that once the contours and provisions of the UCC Bill are ready, the party could discuss and deliberate on the issue. He added that once the Bill is introduced, its provisions will be studied; subsequently, discussions will be held within the party as well as with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. If the Bill contains no controversial provisions, there is no reason to oppose it; however, if any provision raises concerns, a request will be made to the Home Minister (Amit Shah) to address and resolve them, he said.
Private school principal run over by truck while returning from temple
From Jharkhand and Bihar to Indias chip lines: why semiconductor jobs are open to everyone
ISM CEO Amitesh Kumar Sinha on why semiconductor jobs in India are open to every student and stream, from Sanands shop floor to chip design.
Class II girl crushed by sand-laden truck on way to school for exam
Tejashwi Yadav Accuses Sanjay Jha of Ruining JD(U) Amidst Bihars Struggles
Tejashwi Yadav criticizes JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha, claiming BJPs influence is harming Bihar as issues like unemployment and corruption persist. Tejashwi Yadav Accuses Sanjay Jha of Ruining JD(U) Amidst Bihars Struggles
Tripura: Thief cuts own hand to evade arrest, held from hospital bed
Digital Desk | Agartala, Sep 15 (IANS) In a bizarre development, a professional thief, accused of stealing a motorcycle and snatching a gold chain from an elderly woman, allegedly cut his own hand to evade arrest and got himself admitted to a hospital, but police eventually apprehended him from his hospital bed on Tuesday, officials said. Two bike-borne thieves snatched a gold necklace, valued at Rs 1.75 lakh, from an elderly woman in the Bankumari area on the outskirts of Agartala city on September 11. The incident took place early in the morning on September 11 when the elderly woman, Gita Rani Das (Deb), was out for a morning walk with a neighbour in the Bankumari area. She later lodged a complaint with the East Agartala police station, following which an investigation was launched. Police, led by Officer-in-Charge of the East Agartala police station, Krishnadhan Sarkar, launched an intensive investigation to nab the thieves. Police had earlier detained one of the thieves and impounded the motorcycle allegedly used in the broad-daylight snatching of the gold chain. The motorcycle had also allegedly been stolen by the duo earlier. However, the alleged mastermind of the crime was still at large. Police examined CCTV footage from the area, which showed two helmet-wearing persons riding a motorcycle and allegedly snatching the woman's necklace. Acting on information gathered during the investigation, a police team led by Sarkar, an inspector-rank police official, conducted search operations at several places in and around the state capital. Finally, the alleged mastermind of the crime was arrested from the Agartala Government Medical College and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, where he had got himself admitted after reportedly cutting his right hand to evade arrest. The main accused in the case had allegedly sold the stolen necklace at a jewellery shop in Agartala. A series of gold chain-snatching incidents have taken place in various districts of Tripura in recent months. Recently, two youths from Bihar were arrested for allegedly snatching a gold chain from an elderly woman in West Tripura district. According to police, the two accused entered the house of Radha Rani Debbarma on the pretext of cleaning utensils when no male member of the family was present. The duo allegedly snatched a gold chain from the woman and fled on a motorcycle, police said. In another incident, two women were arrested and nine stolen gold chains worth around Rs 22 lakh were recovered following a series of chain-snatching incidents during the Rath Yatra festival in southern Tripuras Gomati district, police officials said. The thefts took place during the annual Rath Yatra at the historic Jagannath Bari in Udaipur, which drew a large number of devotees.
Howrah hotel raid: CBI arrests 2 public servants, 2 aides in Rs 4 lakh bribe case
Digital Desk | Howrah, Sep 15 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday arrested four accused, including two public servants from Lucknow-based institution, in a case involving the payment of a bribe of Rs 4 lakh in a hotel in West Bengal's Howrah, an official said. Those arrested include Ashutosh Kumar, Lucknow Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) Deputy Director, and Deepak Kumar, RDSO Senior Section Engineer, an official statement said. The other two accused were identified as representatives of Kolkata-based private company Utkarsh India Limited, it said. The CBI identified the two arrested private persons as Sashank Agarwal and Swarup Kumar Rai. The CBI registered the case immediately on Tuesday against the accused on allegations that the public servants, in conspiracy with the representatives of Utkarsh India Limited, had obtained undue advantage from a Kolkata-based private company in lieu of issuance of a favourable plant and machinery inspection report. The Central probe agency laid a trap and caught the accused public servants and private persons from a hotel in Howrah while accepting Rs 4 lakh as illegal gratification from the representatives of the private company. Apart from the bribe of Rs 4 lakh, the CBI also recovered Rs 4.73 lakh in cash, the statement said. Later, searches in the residential and office premises of the accused were conducted at multiple locations in Kolkata, Lucknow and Bihar, the CBI said, adding that incriminating documents and digital evidence were recovered and seized. The CBI said the accused will be produced before a special court for custody. In a separate case, the CBI arrested Chandra Shekhar Gupta, the Bhojudih Chief Health Inspector under South Eastern Railway's Adra Division of Bokaro in a Rs 25,000 bribery case. Chandra Shekhar Gupta was arrested after the CBI received a complaint against him. It was alleged that the accused Chief Health Inspector demanded undue advantage of Rs 25,000 from the complainant for sanction of medical leave, the CBI said in a statement. The CBI laid a trap and caught Gupta red handed while accepting undue advantage of Rs 10,000 from the complainant. Searches were conducted at the office and residential premises of the accused public servant. Gupta will be produced before a Special CBI Court in Dhanbad, the statement said.
Tejashwi Yadav Criticizes Bihar Governments Handling of Floods and Corruption
Tejashwi Yadav condemns Bihars government for corruption and inadequate flood response, urging immediate aid for affected citizens. Tejashwi Yadav Criticizes Bihar Governments Handling of Floods and Corruption
38 kg Marijuana Seized From School Bags In Bihar, 3 Minors Among 5 Detained
During the searches, cops discovered large amounts of marijuana hidden in the minors' school bags. A total of 38 kgs of the prohibited substance was recovered from the five smugglers.
Bihar cabinet approves 17 proposals, clears Rs 3,516 crore for Vishnupad Temple development project
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 15 (IANS) A total of 17 proposals were approved at a Bihar Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday, with major decisions covering agriculture, healthcare, education, water resources, taxation, recruitment and infrastructure development. Among the key decisions, the Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs 89.79 crore for the Central Sector Makhana Development Scheme for the financial year 2026-27. The Cabinet also approved the contractual appointment of Assistant Professors against 366 vacant posts across five government medical colleges under the Health Department, pending completion of regular recruitment. The institutions covered under the decision are Government Medical College, Bettiah; Government Medical College, Purnea; Jannayak Karpoori Thakur Medical College, Madhepura; Government Medical College, Chhapra, Saran; and Ram Janaki Medical College, Samastipur. Approval was also granted for contractual appointments against vacant posts of Professor, Associate Professor, Reader, Lecturer and Assistant Professor in government dental colleges and hospitals under the Health Department, pending regular recruitment. The Cabinet also approved the termination of the services of Dr Ravi Shankar Prasad, a General Medical Officer posted at the Additional Primary Health Centre in Bahadurpur, Alauli, Khagaria. The action was taken over his continuous unauthorised absence from duty since November 17, 2021. An allocation of Rs 2.10 crore was approved for the implementation of the centrally sponsored National Mission on Edible OilsOil Palm (NMEO-OP) during 2026-27. The scheme aims to promote oil palm cultivation and reduce dependence on imports by increasing domestic edible oil production. The Cabinet also approved Rs 78.34 crore for programmes under the centrally sponsored Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture for 2026-27 and 2027-28. One of the major decisions was administrative approval of Rs 3,516.05 crore for the development of the Vishnupad Temple precinct in Gaya on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi. The project will include several infrastructure and pilgrim-facility works, including a multi-level car park, elevated pathway, a ramp connecting the Mansarovar-Manpur bridge, dormitory and canteen facilities, ghat development and construction of Sita Kund. The Cabinet also approved the construction of an intake well 23 kilometres upstream of the Indrapuri Barrage. The facility will enable the required quantity of water to be transferred from the Sone River to the North Koel Main Canal through a pipeline. The Cabinet approved expenditure of Rs 1,000 crore by the Water Resources Department, to be drawn in advance from the Bihar Contingency Fund. A One-Time Settlement scheme was also approved to address outstanding dues of brick kiln operators. According to the government, Rs 266 crore is currently outstanding against brick kiln operators, and the scheme is intended to provide them relief in settling their dues. Two additional posts were approved for the State Information Commission. The Cabinet further approved the creation of six postsfour instructors and two lower-division clerksfor establishing a school at Bihar Animal Sciences University in Patna. An amount of Rs 45,98,832 was sanctioned for the purpose. The Cabinet approved the Bihar State Aviation Cadre Recruitment Rules, 2026, paving the way for recruitment and service-related arrangements for the state's aviation cadre. It also approved the Bihar District Mineral Foundation Rules, 2026. The decisions taken at the meeting cover a range of sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, water management, tourism-related infrastructure and administrative reforms, with the government aiming to accelerate development and improve public services across the state.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Assess Flood Damage in Bihar on PM Modis Instructions
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit Bihar on September 16 to evaluate flood-affected areas and support local farmers. Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Assess Flood Damage in Bihar on PM Modis Instructions
Bihar govt orders judicial reshuffle, Asitabh Kumar posted as principal judge in Nalanda
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 15 (IANS) The Bihar government has issued a notification regarding the posting and promotion of a judicial officer as part of an administrative reshuffle within the state judicial service. The General Administration Department issued the order on Tuesday, September 15, advancing the process of new postings and promotions of judicial officers to facilitate the smooth functioning of courts at the district level. According to the notification, Asitabh Kumar, currently serving as District and Additional Sessions Judge in West Champaran (Bettiah), has been promoted to the rank of Principal District and Sessions Judge. Following his elevation, Kumar has been posted as Principal Judge of the Family Court in Nalanda district, with Bihar Sharif as its headquarters. The administrative decision follows a recommendation from the Registrar General of the Patna High Court through Letter No. 82520 dated September 7, 2026. Based on the High Court's recommendation, the state government completed the required administrative procedures and issued the formal posting order. The notification was issued in the name of the Governor of Bihar and bears the signature of Rajnish Kumar, Additional Secretary of the General Administration Department. The order directs the concerned judicial officer to assume his new charge as per the prescribed procedure. Copies of the notification have been forwarded to the Superintendent of the Government Press and the E-Gazette Cell of the Finance Department for publication in the next extraordinary issue of the Official Gazette. The notification has also been sent to the Accountant General (Accounts and Entitlements), Law Department, District and Sessions Judges of the concerned districts, and relevant Finance and Information Technology officials for information and necessary action. In another development, the Bihar Police Headquarters (Personnel and Welfare Division) has issued large-scale transfer orders aimed at strengthening the administrative setup. Under this order, 112 promoted Reserve Inspectors (Senior Quartermaster)also known as Sergeant Majorshave been transferred to new districts and units. Previously, under an order issued in June 2026, Reserve Sub-Inspectors (Quartermaster) had been assigned the executive charge of the higher rank of Reserve Inspector (Senior Quartermaster). However, an imbalance was subsequently observed between the availability of officers and the sanctioned posts across various districts and units. This decision was taken to address that imbalance.
Weather Tomorrow: The Meteorological Department has released a new weather warning for various areas, forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorms nationwide. On Wednesday, thunderstorms and rain are expected in both Delhi-NCR and Bihar. Additionally, Rajasthan and Odisha are bracing for rain and strong winds, while Uttarakhand and West Bengal face alerts for rain and lightning activity.
Bihar Cabinet Approves 17 Proposals, Allocates
The Bihar Cabinet has approved 17 proposals, including a 1,000 crore allocation for flood and irrigation projects, under Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary. Bihar Cabinet Approves 17 Proposals, Allocates 1,000 Crore for Flood and Irrigation Relief
Central Government Stands with Bihar Flood Victims; Minister to Conduct Review on September 16
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will assess flood damage in Bihar and engage with affected farmers during his visit on September 16. Central Government Stands with Bihar Flood Victims; Minister to Conduct Review on September 16
No reason to make haste: JD(U) takes cautious stand on UCC
Janata Dal (United) will study the Uniform Civil Code legislation before taking a stance. The party will consult its coalition partners in Bihar before making a decision. Bihar's deputy chief minister stated they will not oppose the code without reason. Senior party leader Shyam Rajak had previously expressed opposition to implementing the UCC in Bihar.
JD-U softens UCC stand, says 'won't oppose for no reason'
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that the JD(U) will thoroughly study the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill before deciding on its stance, indicating they will not oppose it without valid reasons. This position contrasts with the RJD's strong opposition and highlights the JD(U)'s independent approach within the NDA.
IIT-P student wins bronze at mental calculation contest
Man gets life term for second time in separate murder case
Girl on way to school crushed to death by truck in Samastipur
Uniform Civil Code: Rift within NDA over implementation of UCC in Bihar
Tensions have flared among NDA coalition partners in Bihar over implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The disagreement comes a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared plans to roll out the UCC across 21 NDA-governed states by 2029.
JD(U) won't oppose UCC if provisions are okay: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated the JD(U) will study the Uniform Civil Code Bill. The party will not oppose the legislation without valid reasons for objection. Senior JD(U) leader Shyam Rajak had previously voiced strong opposition to the Uniform Civil Code. Chaudhary clarified that the party will consult coalition partners before making a final decision. The Union Agriculture Minister will visit flood-hit areas for damage assessment.
Bihar UCC: JD(U) Says It Will Decide After Consulting NDA Allies
Chaudhary, who is also a former state assembly speaker, sought to distance the JD(U) from the strident stance adopted by RJD, the main party in opposition, which has vowed to thwart the UCC's implementation in Bihar, alleging that it was against the interests of Muslims.
BPSC, BPSSC aspirants stage protest in Patna, demand cancellation of exams
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 15 (IANS) A large number of students staged a massive protest in Patna on Tuesday, demanding the cancellation and re-conduct of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Combined Competitive Examination and the Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission (BPSSC) Main Examination for the recruitment of 1,799 Police Sub-Inspectors. The protesting aspirants gathered near JP Golambar and raised slogans against the state government. Carrying banners and posters, they demanded an impartial investigation into alleged irregularities in both examinations. One of the posters carried by the protesters read, Neither will foul play in exams be tolerated, nor will playing with our future be accepted. The students said that if an investigation establishes any wrongdoing, both examinations should be cancelled and conducted again for all candidates. As the protesters attempted to march towards the Chief Minister's residence and the Raj Bhavan, police personnel put up barricades near JP Golambar to stop them. However, the protesters broke through the barricades and attempted to move ahead, leading to a scuffle between the students and police. Some aspirants were seen climbing over the barricades while continuing to raise slogans. More than 200 police personnel have been deployed around Gandhi Maidan to prevent the protesters from proceeding further. Security arrangements have also been strengthened at Dakbungalow Crossing, where the route has been blocked with barricades. The BPSSC conducted the main written examination in May 2026 for the recruitment of 1,799 Police Sub-Inspectors. Around 35,857 candidates appeared for the examination. Following the exam, complaints of alleged malpractice and irregularities were raised at some examination centres. Questions were also raised after a photograph of the question paper reportedly surfaced on social media following the May 27 examination at Government Girls' High School in Purnea. During the police investigation, a teacher, Mrityunjay Kumar, was arrested. According to police, Kumar allegedly photographed the question paper after the examination had concluded and sent the image to a relative. The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) subsequently took up the investigation. The agency has obtained photographs of the question paper/booklet and has sought a response from the BPSSC regarding the authenticity and source of the images. The protesting students maintain that the questions surrounding the transparency and integrity of the examination process must be investigated impartially. They have demanded that the authorities establish the facts through a fair inquiry and take appropriate action if irregularities are confirmed. The aspirants are continuing their protest in Patna, pressing for the cancellation and re-conduct of both the 70th BPSC Combined Competitive Examination and the BPSSC Main Examination for 1,799 Sub-Inspector posts.
Akhilesh Yadav takes charge of Lohia Trust, BJP leaders target Shivpals removal
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 15 (IANS) Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav's move to take over as President of the Lohia Trust, replacing his uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav, has become the latest political debate point in Uttar Pradesh, with SP leaders hailing it, while some in the BJP termed the development as an internal matter of the Yadav family and others questioned it on political grounds. Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar alleged that Akhilesh Yadav no longer trusted Shivpal Yadav because of his political differences with the SP chief in the past, citing Shivpal Yadavs decision to leave the party and spend a period with the BJP before forming the Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party Lohia (PSPL). Rajbhar said Shivpal Yadav had, at the time, openly criticised the SP and accused it of becoming a party of hieves and rogues and of being dominated by mafias. He also recalled Shivpal Yadavs allegations that people involved in encroaching on the land of the poor had entered the party. According to Rajbhar, Shivpal Yadav had repeatedly made such statements after forming his own party, making it difficult for Akhilesh Yadav to repose trust in him. Minister Anil Rajbhar also criticised the SP chief, alleging that Akhilesh Yadav did not have faith in anyone and even lacked confidence in himself. The head of the Samajwadi Party does not have any trust in anyone. He does not have faith in anyone. He does not even have faith in himself. That is why, if you look at his campaigns and look at his statements, do you see any stability? There is no stability. His issues keep changing, his statements keep changing, he said. However, Rajbhar added that he did not want to comment on another family or political party, saying that the developments within the SP were visible to everyone. Minister Narendra Kashyap said the Lohia Trust's leadership was ultimately a matter for its members to decide, including who should remain associated with it. However, it would have been better if someone from the social sector had been given the opportunity instead of Shivpal or Akhilesh Yadav, Kashyap said, alleging that the development reflected dynastic politics. SP MP Awadhesh Prasad, meanwhile, backed Akhileshs appointment, saying, The decision taken by the partys national President is acceptable to everyone. Meanwhile, Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said, It is their trust. It was with Shivpal Ji, and now that he is no longer there, it has gone to Akhilesh Yadav. This is their internal family matter, and they will do what they consider appropriate... The change follows a meeting of the Lohia Trust in which all members reportedly expressed their consent to Akhilesh Yadav becoming its President. Shivpal Singh Yadav had been heading the trust since 2017. The Lohia Trust was originally headed by senior SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav. In 2017, amid the intense family feud in the Samajwadi Party ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Mulayam Singh Yadav removed Ram Gopal Yadav and appointed Shivpal Singh Yadav as the trusts president.
Students protest in Patna over alleged irregularities in Bihar SI and 70th BPSC exams
The News Mill
Amit Shahs Statement on Uniform Civil Code Sparks Nationwide Discussion
Amit Shahs remarks on the Uniform Civil Code have prompted ministers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to advocate for its swift implementation. Amit Shahs Statement on Uniform Civil Code Sparks Nationwide Discussion
Delhi Police busts pan-India matrimonial cyber fraud call centre in Agra; mastermind arrested
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) The Central District Cyber Police have busted an organised pan-India matrimonial cyber fraud racket being operated from a call centre in Agra under the facade of a branded matrimonial portal, shaadipartner.com, and arrested its mastermind, a practising advocate. According to the police, the syndicate targeted men seeking matrimonial alliances and used fake profiles, photographs of women sourced from the internet and staged conversations to create an impression of genuine matchmaking services. The racket operated on the principle of 'cheat small, cheat many', with the accused deliberately limiting the amount extracted from an individual victim to a maximum of Rs 15,000. The investigation began following a complaint lodged on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) by a man who alleged that he had been induced, deceived and defrauded on the false promise of being provided a matrimonial alliance through shaadipartner.com. Following the complaint, FIR No. 78/2025 was registered at Cyber Police Station, Central District, under Sections 318(4), 317(5), 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to the investigation, the syndicate had been operating the racket for around one year and systematically targeting matrimonial seekers across different parts of the country. To lure prospective victims, the fraudsters initially shared photographs of attractive women through WhatsApp. To establish trust and create the appearance of an authentic matchmaking process, they allegedly arranged telephonic conversations between the complainants and women posing as prospective brides. Once a victim developed an emotional connection or expressed genuine interest, the accused allegedly induced him to make payments at different stages. The victim was charged under various pretexts, including registration charges, profile access fees, profile activation charges and contact-unlocking fees. In the case under investigation, the complainant was allegedly defrauded of Rs 15,000. Subsequent technical investigation and analysis of the financial trail established that the entire amount allegedly defrauded from the complainant was credited directly into a current account with the Central Bank of India. The account, bearing the number 0512****190, was registered in the name of the commercial entity M/s Shaadi Partner Com. According to banking records and KYC details, Jaya Shakya alias Shashi was the sole proprietor and authorised signatory of the beneficiary account. Further analysis through the NCRP database revealed that the same bank account was linked to six complaints registered from different parts of the country. Police said the findings indicated an active and coordinated racket that primarily targeted male matrimonial seekers across India using a similar modus operandi. Acting on the information gathered during the investigation, a police team raided an illegal and fully functional tele-calling call centre operating from Property No. 25, Ramaji Dham Apartment, Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on September 4. Jaya Shakya, 44, who served as the operational manager and front face of the establishment, was arrested at the spot. Eight female tele-callers were also apprehended during the operation. During sustained custodial interrogation of Jaya Shakya after she was brought to Delhi, investigators uncovered the identity of the person behind the operation. Police said the call centre was financed, owned and masterminded by Amit Kumar, 29, an advocate and BA LLB graduate. According to investigators, Kumar used his knowledge of legal procedures and documentation to create a multi-layered structure aimed at shielding himself from direct scrutiny. Investigators said the banking channels and procurement of SIM cards were also structured in the name of the proprietorship firm. This ensured that any initial investigation into the financial transactions or communication channels would lead to Jaya Shakya rather than Kumar. Police alleged that Kumar presented himself as the firms 'Legal Advisor', thereby attempting to establish plausible deniability and avoid direct police scrutiny. Following the raid on September 4, Kumar switched off his mobile phones and went underground after learning that the Agra call centre had been raided by Delhi Police. The investigation team subsequently deployed technical surveillance to track his movements and zeroed in on his location in Agra. On September 8, police intercepted Kumar in the Kala Kunj area of Agra while he was travelling in a black Hyundai Creta bearing an 'Advocate' sticker on its windshields. According to the police, Kumar displayed his credentials issued by the Uttar Pradesh State Bar Council and claimed that he was merely acting as a legal counsel. However, investigators said that digital evidence gathered during the probe contradicted his claim. Police subsequently arrested Kumar on September 8. According to police, female tele-callers were recruited through vacancies advertised on recruitment platforms such as WorkIndia and Apna App, as well as through newspaper advertisements. The recruits were allegedly made to believe that they were joining a genuine matrimonial service. To establish the credibility of the operation, the accused used documents such as an MSME Udyam certificate, Uttar Pradesh Labour Department registration, a franchise agreement and Kumars Bar Council credentials. Police said these documents were shown to young employees during recruitment to convince them that the organisation was a legitimate and legally compliant matrimonial service. Investigators alleged that, over time, some of the female employees realised that they were participating in a fraudulent operation. However, the prospect of earning additional money allegedly kept them involved. According to the police, Jaya Shakya and Amit Kumar paid the tele-callers a 10 per cent incentive on every amount they successfully extracted from a victim. This was in addition to their monthly salaries of around Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000. To make the operation appear genuine, the accused created dummy client profiles on the matrimonial website and sent screenshots to victims. These screenshots were intended to convince them that they were receiving genuine matchmaking services. When a victim requested to speak with the woman whose photograph had been shown to him, another female employee from the call centre allegedly posed as the prospective bride during conference calls. The victim was then allowed to speak with the woman for several days, creating the impression that a genuine relationship was developing. After the victim had developed an emotional connection, the alliance was rejected on various false grounds. These included claims of Manglik Dosh, family disapproval or an assertion that the woman had become engaged elsewhere. If a victim insisted on receiving more options, the tele-callers provided details of other families whose profiles were already available on the portal. By using photographs downloaded from the internet, staging conversations with women posing as prospective brides and arranging calls with people pretending to be family members, the syndicate allegedly created a convincing illusion of genuine matchmaking. Each female tele-caller had a monthly target of bringing in at least Rs 15,000 in fraudulent collections. Failure to meet the target could reportedly result in salary deductions, while repeated failure led to termination. The accused also adopted measures to prevent victims from filing police complaints. According to investigators, whenever tele-callers sensed that a suspicious or angry victim was preparing to report the matter, they would refund the money to the victim to quietly settle the issue. Police further alleged that when a victim nevertheless filed a complaint through the NCRP, the complainants action could lead to the freezing of the proprietorship firm's bank account. At that stage, Amit Kumar stepped in and used his legal credentials to handle the situation. The alleged mastermind, Amit Kumar, a resident of Sikandra, Agra, is 29 years old and is a practising advocate. Police have described him as the alleged real owner and mastermind of the fake matrimonial matchmaking call centre. Jaya Shakya, a resident of West Arjun Nagar, Agra, is 44 years old. Police have identified her as the alleged operational manager and on-paper sole proprietor of the fraudulent entity. She supervised day-to-day tele-calling operations and managed the female staff. Other accused identified by the police include Jyoti Kumari, 27, a resident of Mohalla Bichpuri Road, Agra; Karishma Sharma, 24, a resident of Shastri Puram, Agra; Rashmi, 24, a resident of Shahganj, Agra; Anshu Kumari, 32, a resident of Radhe Garden, Agra, and originally from Bhagalpur, Bihar; Meghna Parashar, 23, a resident of Agra; Padma, 26, a resident of Bodla, Agra; and Aashika, 21, a resident of Agra.
Over 15,000 security personnel to be deployed for Tripura Village Committee polls
Digital Desk | Agartala, Sep 15 (IANS) Over 15,000 central and state security personnel will be deployed to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the September 28 Village Committee elections in Tripura's tribal areas, officials said on Tuesday. A senior police official said that around 74 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), with an actual deployment of around 5,000 personnel, along with 10,000 personnel of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and Tripura Police, would provide security for the politically important elections to the Village Committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) areas. Of the 74 companies of CAPF, 47 companies have already arrived in Tripura, and the remaining forces would be available in the state by Wednesday, the official told IANS. According to the official, the TSR and state police, led by district Superintendents of Police and other senior officials, have already started area-wise patrolling and route marches to maintain peaceful law and order in the run-up to the Village Committee elections. He said that the elite Tripura State Rifles have been very efficient in handling election-related duties. During the Lok Sabha elections held between April 19 and June 1, 2024, TSR personnel were deployed for election duties in Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha and Himachal Pradesh. In addition to providing security during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, the Indian Reserve battalions of the Tripura State Rifles have performed election duties in almost every state of the country, ensuring security during both Assembly and Lok Sabha polls over the years. The Tripura State Election Commission (TSEC) earlier announced that elections to 4,597 seats in 2,634 constituencies covering 587 Village Committees -- equivalent to Gram Panchayats in the non-TTAADC areas -- would be held on September 28 after a gap of 10 years. State Election Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty, during a virtual meeting on Monday, reviewed the overall security and administrative arrangements for the Village Committee elections across the state. Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Rao, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper, Commission Secretary Anurag Sen, all the District Magistrates and several other officials participated in the meeting. Meanwhile, an official of the Tripura State Election Commission said that the ruling BJPs ally, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), won 1,557 seats, or 33.87 per cent of the total 4,597 seats, unopposed in the elections to 587 Village Committees under the TTAADC areas. The BJP secured 81 seats, or 1.76 per cent, uncontested following the completion of the withdrawal of nomination papers on September 11, the official said. According to the SEC official, following the election of candidates in a large number of seats without contest, polling would now be held in 2,954 seats in 44 of the total 52 blocks across eight districts of Tripura. After 1,069 candidates of various political parties, including the TMP, BJP and CPI (M), withdrew their nominations, a total of 9,820 candidates are now in the fray for the Village Committee elections.
BharatBenz adds new Supaul dealership to Bihar network
BharatBenz has opened a new dealership in Supaul, Bihar. This expansion strengthens its sales and after-sales reach across the Koshi belt. The four-bay 3S facility offers sales, service, and spares support. It aims to reduce vehicle downtime for transporters and fleet owners. This move enhances BharatBenz's customer accessibility in North Bihar.
Students protest in Patna demanding cancellation of Bihar Daroga recruitment exam, clash with police
A large number of students preparing for competitive examinations took to the streets in Bihar's capital Patna on Tuesday, demanding the cancellation of the recently held Bihar Police Sub-Inspector recruitment examination and raising several other demands. As per the information, the protest was held near Gandhi Maidan and intensified around JP Golambar, where demonstrators reportedly engaged in a scuffle with police personnel. The students are particularly angry over the examination conducted for the recruitment of 1,799 Sub-Inspector posts. They have demanded that the examination be cancelled and conducted afresh in a transparent manner.
Bihar floods affect 50 lakh people in 15 districts, Kharge seeks urgent relief
She appealed to the government to expedite relief and rescue operations so that help can reach the affected people as soon as possible
Bihar CM transfers 579 crore in relief to flood-affected people
The families were provided 7,000 each under the relief assistance, says officials
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said floods had spread across around 12 to 16 districts in the state, causing extensive damage, as a central team led by Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is set to visit the state to assess the situation. Speaking to IANS, Ram Kripal Yadav said the floods had affected a large number of districts, damaging crops, houses and infrastructure and leaving lakhs of people in severe difficulty. The floods have spread across around 12 to 16 districts, causing extensive damage. Crops of Bihars farmers have been destroyed, infrastructure has been damaged, houses have been washed away and lakhs of people are facing severe difficulties, Yadav said. He said a high-level team headed by Chouhan would visit various affected areas to assess the extent of the damage. He added that a meeting would also be held at the level of the Chief Minister in connection with the situation. JD(U) National Spokesperson, Rajeev Ranjan, said the state had significant expectations from the central assessment team given the scale of the damage and the difficulties faced by people. Certainly, we have expectations because the damage caused by the floods in Bihar has been severe and peoples difficulties have increased, Ranjan said. He added that although the situation was gradually improving, the state government would require additional resources to restore normalcy in the affected areas. Although the situation is improving, the state government will certainly need additional resources to restore normalcy, Ranjan said, stressing that Bihar should receive all assistance it was entitled to after the central team assessed the damage. Bihar Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, has also said that a central team led by Union Minister Chouhan would visit the state to assess the flood situation and the damage caused by the floods. While Choudhary did not specify when the team would arrive, it is likely to reach Patna on September 16. The proposed visit comes as the flood situation remains serious in parts of Bihar. According to official figures, around 49.67 lakh people have been affected across 15 districts of the state. While water levels have started receding in most rivers, including the Ganga, several rivers continue to flow above their respective danger marks at various locations. The Centres assessment is expected to help determine the extent of assistance required by Bihar for relief, rehabilitation and restoration of damaged infrastructure and agricultural areas.
'US Prez Trump Copied $5,000 Plan From Congress' Karnataka Model': DK Shivakumar
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has claimed that the Congress governments welfare schemes in the state have influenced similar initiatives across India and even in the United States. Speaking at a Congress office event, Shivakumar said Karnatakas guarantee schemes had been replicated in states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. He also compared the schemes with US President Donald Trumps proposed $5,000 payment to American adults, saying, Trump is copying us. Shivakumar said the proposal reflected the wider influence of Karnatakas welfare model. He also attacked the BJP, accusing it of using Hindutva for political purposes and alleging misuse of funds and materials contributed for the Ram Temple. He criticised the Centres Ujjwala scheme over rising LPG prices and said Congress welfare policies provide support irrespective of caste or religion.
Omar Abdullah questions BJPs UCC strategy: Why do it state by state?
Srinagar, Sep 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has questioned the move by BJP-ruled states to pursue the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying legislation on an issue of national importance should be brought before Parliament rather than being introduced separately by individual states. If you have the numbers, bring it to Parliament. Why are you doing it separately in different states? Abdullah said, arguing that the UCC could not be described as universal if it applied only to BJP-ruled states. The whole country is not BJP-ruled. There are a number of states and territories that the BJP does not govern, he said. Abdullah also pointed to differences within the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, saying some of its allies were not in favour of implementing the UCC in their states. According to reports, the Janata Dal (United) has directly said that it will not be implemented in Bihar. So if their own allies are not ready for it, how can they say that it should be implemented across the country? he said. He said a measure of such significance should be decided by Parliament, which represents the country as a whole. Something of this nature should not be decided by individual states. It has to be decided by the country as a whole, Abdullah said. The country as a whole is represented not in the states but in Parliament. Let the legislation come to Parliament. Abdullah also questioned why the government was pursuing the UCC through states while other major legislative proposals had been discussed in the context of Parliament. So far, whenever they have talked about legislation in Parliament, whether it is One Nation, One Election or reservation, they have not brought it to Parliament, he said. Now, with this too, they are talking about bringing it in the states. Bring it to Parliament and let us see whether you can pass it. Our foreign policy is our own On Chinas reported praise of Indias foreign policy, Abdullah said New Delhi should not attach undue importance to assessments from other countries, whether positive or negative. Our foreign policy is our own. Why do we look for certificates from other countries? he asked. He warned against selectively welcoming foreign comments when they were favourable while rejecting them when they were critical. The danger with something like this is that tomorrow, if China says something against our foreign policy, then what will you do? Abdullah said. I don't think we should rather, we shouldn't give too much importance to what other countries say about our foreign policy, whether positive or negative, because we cannot cherry-pick. He added: We should neither want their praise nor their criticism. Our foreign policy is our own. We should focus on that. A good step on LAC On reports of a reduction in Chinese deployments along the Line of Actual Control, Abdullah welcomed any move that could reduce tensions along the India-China frontier. Anything that reduces tensions on the Line of Control or the Line of Actual Control is a good step, particularly for those people who live close to it, he said. Abdullah said residents living near the LoC and LAC were particularly affected by tensions and military deployments. We know how difficult it is for people to live close to the LoC or LAC, he said. So, if there is any step that reduces deployments along the Line of Actual Control, that is a good step. He said he hoped a similar improvement would eventually take place along the Line of Control. Similarly, we hope that, over time, things will get better along the Line of Control as well, he said. On Pahalgam attack Asked about the National Conferences condemnation of the Pahalgam attack without explicitly naming Pakistan, Abdullah said the issue was primarily for the Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs to address. That is something for the Government of India, and particularly the Ministry of External Affairs, to talk about, he said. Abdullah argued that the fact that the Pahalgam attack had been mentioned in the international condemnation was itself significant, particularly given the presence of countries considered allies of Pakistan. The fact that Pahalgam itself was condemned is a big thing, he said. Please see how many allies of Pakistan were in that room. He added: For even Pahalgam to be mentioned by name, that in itself is a success of our foreign policy. Now, okay, it has happened. Let us move forward. Let's move on, Abdullah said.
'He Is Copying Us': DK Shivakumar On Trump's $5,000 Promise
DK Shivakumar said that Congress's welfare model has been replicated in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. And now, the US is copying it.
Bihar floods: Rahul Gandhi urges govt to carry out relief, rescue operations with full promptness
Bihar faces devastating floods affecting nearly fifty lakh people across fifteen districts. Rahul Gandhi expressed deep condolences and urged swift government relief efforts. He also appealed to Congress workers to provide assistance to affected families. Heavy rainfall in Nepal's catchment areas swelled rivers above danger marks. The state has recorded rainfall six percent above normal for September.
Pakistan's visit to India for ACT subject to govt clearance: PHF
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Pakistans tour to India for next months Hockey Asian Champions Trophy is subject to government clearance, said Pakistan's Hockey Federation (PHF) chief Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani. The Men's Asian Champions Trophy will be held from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali, with the tournament featuring India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea. Meanwhile, Oman and Bangladesh have been named as reserve teams in case of withdrawals. According to a report in Pakistan's English daily 'Dawn', Wani, who is also federal secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, said PHF would abide by the governments decision on the national teams participation. The visit of the Pakistan team will depend on government clearance. We will do whatever the government asks us to do, Wani said. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said that Pakistan would be travelling to India next month for the tournament. There is no problem in multi-national tournaments. Bilateral series between India and Pakistan cannot take place, Mann said, citing the central governments policy which allows India and Pakistan to compete in multinational events. In an office memorandum issued on May 5, the Sports Ministry stated that Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in multilateral events hosted by India, while also signalling a more supportive visa regime for athletes, officials and international federation representatives. The league stage of the ACT will be played in Jalandhar from October 27 to November 2, while the semifinals will be played on Nov 4 and the final will be played on November 5. The much-awaited India-Pakistan clash scheduled for November 1, Punjab Day in Jalandhar. The India-Pakistan encounter on November 1 in Jalandhar will be one of the biggest attractions of the tournament. The match will coincide with Punjab Day, making the occasion even more special for the people of Punjab. India and Pakistan may have their rivalries on the hockey field, but sport has its own language, CM Mann said on Monday. Last year, Pakistan withdrew from the Junior World Cup and in Tamil Nadu after pulling out of the Men's Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, citing heightened tensions between the two countries.
Bihar fisheries seizes 50 quintals of banned Thai Magur in Katihar
The News Mill
Bihar Vidhan Parishad Final Result 2026 - Download PA, DEO, LDC
Bihar Vidhan Parishad (BLCS) has declared the Final Result 2026 for Personal Assistant, Data Entry Operator, Lower Division Clerk, and Stenographer posts under Advt No. 02/2025. Check important dates, vacancy details, eligibility, selection process, and the direct result download link here.
Jharkhand CID arrests two more in recruitment exam irregularities cases
Dilip Kumar Paswan (41) of Bihar's Jamui district was arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination-2023, he said.
Central Team to Visit Bihar to Assess Flood Situation
The state has recorded 112.7 mm of rainfall so far in September, around six per cent above normal,
Bihars Agricultural Drones Set to Revolutionize Crop Spraying
Bihar plans to use agricultural drones for efficient crop spraying, covering over 285,000 acres while saving time and labor for farmers. Bihars Agricultural Drones Set to Revolutionize Crop Spraying
In Indian culture, both Spring and Winter are celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety; Spring almost all over the country and Winter in the warmer regions south of the Himalayas. However, there is another season, the advent of which is a harbinger of happiness and hope ... and that is the rainy season, or the Monsoon as it is also known. It brings happiness because it cools down the troublesome summer heat, and hope because water, especially cool water, on dry earth is always a symbol of hope. And yet, the effect of rains is felt quite differently in the hills and plains. In the hills even a light shower brings down the temperature considerably, adding a chill to the already cool air. In the plains it is an early sign of the onset of Monsoon - which is celebrated with the greatest fervour in the extremely hot and dry northern belt. After the baking temperatures of May and June followed by the itchy humidity of July, vibrant August brings the much-awaited, life-giving rains. In hot, dry, landlocked northern India, the Monsoon - coming after the terrible, relentless Summer heat - is even more welcome than Spring. It is not difficult to imagine the joy of people at the first showers the wonderful hydrating effect of the rain water on parched earth; the filling up of rivers, ponds and wells long dry; the flowering of bushes and shrubs; the sprouting of fresh new leaves; the joyful singing of birds, who have a difficult time looking for drinking water in the hot summer. And above all, the cool, refreshing breezes instead of the devastating loo winds that create desert-like conditions. The Monsoons give Nature a head-to-toe bath, as layers of dust are washed away and every tree gets a clean new look with glistening leaves. Old and young alike, long suffering under the merciless Sun, come out of their homes to meet and greet their neighbours and celebrate the rains together. The biggest Monsoon festival of North India - Teej is celebrated across Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The villages of the plains of North India present a picture of health and cheer during Teej, with everyone dressed in bright clothes and brighter smiles! Teej becomes the perfect opportunity to socialise, as the pleasant weather breathes new life into the people. The lush greenery, fresh air and cool weather inspire the village folk to gather together in courtyards and community spaces, singing folk songs to welcome the rains. Groups of village children can be seen taking rain-baths, diving into ponds with gleeful shouts and splashing in out of puddles with abandon. The menfolk express their joy by dancing the energetic bhangra to the peppy beats of the dhol, in their colourful turbans and folk dresses. The festival becomes an occasion for women to travel to their parental homes (peka in Punjabi), reunite with family and childhood friends, and spend time with their parents and siblings. The first Teej of newly-wedded young women becomes even more special as they receive a gift hamper of new clothes and bangles from their maika or peehar (parental home). Both, married women and unmarried young girls put on their best and brightest clothes saree, salwar-kameez or lehenga. Pinks, blues and yellows mix with greens and reds, the traditional Teej colours. Women and girls come out in droves, shining in their attractive attires, chattering and laughing, the palms of their hands adorned with deep red mehndi designs. On the occasion of Teej, rope swings (peeng / jhoola) are hung from strong branches of sturdy trees like mango and peepal, where women and girls take turns swinging in singles or in pairs. What a lovely scene it is: ladies adorned in finery, swinging away merrily under large shady trees, their veils (chunni / odhni) fluttering in the breeze, bangles tinkling rhythmically with the to-and-fro motion ! The days come alive with womenfolk performing lively Giddha dances while reciting traditional boliyan (couplets on village life). Bangle-sellers displaying bright, colourful glass bangles walk through villages with their portable stalls, singing Vangaan chadhaalo kudiyonmerebaba de darbaar diyaan (O girls, put on these blessed bangles). Rajasthani women in their multi-coloured striped leheriya attires and traditional jewellery can be heard singing Aayo Aayo Teej Tyohar (Teej festival has arrived !) and Aayi Sawaniye Ri Teej (The Monsoon has come !). Could any Indian festival be complete without a fair ?! Local Teej fairs (Teeyan da Mela) feature artisans offering intricate henna applications, folk music competitions, and traditional village games. And then, can there be any celebration without sweets ? Families lovingly prepare and share traditional sweets Ghevar (delicately-flavoured sweet shaped like a large disc), Gujia (deep-fried pastry filled with khoya and coconut) and Malpua (small syrup-soaked pancakes sprinkled with dry fruits). To balance the sweet flavour, there is the savoury kachaudi (a thick poori with a spicy potato filling). Not only in the plains and foothills, the Monsoons are also celebrated in mountainous Himachal Pradesh, most notably through traditional harvest and cultural fairs. The most prominent of these is the week-long Minjar Fair in Chamba, which celebrates the ripening of maize crops. Local communities mark the season with folk songs, village rituals, traditional music, and colourful processions, with people dressed in attractive folk dresses. Regional delicacies are prepared and enjoyed daily during the season. Coming after the scorching heat of the torrid summer, the rains soak and soften the cracked earth turning it soft, moist and receptive. In this way, the Monsoon plays a vital role in preparing the hard, dry farmland for the Kharif crop. Rice and maize, sown just before the Monsoon, are heavily dependent on the rains as these crops need plenty of water, especially in areas where artificial irrigation is unreliable or simply unavailable. Thus, to small farmers, the Monsoon comes like Gods gift. Perhaps it would not be wrong to say that in Indian culture, vibrant Monsoon festivals are the most awaited, as these are not just religious or cultural events; but a celebration of the rejuvenating aspect of Nature and Natures gift of life in the form of rainwater. T he author is a free-lance writer, editor and translator.
Private agency likely to manage Adalatganj pond complex for 5 years
Two minor brothers drown in Khagaria floodwater
Woman travelling on Tejas Rajdhani held with 15.8kg ganja
900-year-old sculpture offers clue to perakiya
Expansion of ULBs vital for planned devpt: Minister
SC/ST welfare officers begin phased protest over demands
Central team to visit Bihar tomorrow to assess flood damage, says Samrat
Ganga recedes fast, but Kosi & Gandak still above danger mark
Muzaffarpur court orders arrest of 11 policemen
Sundarban, Buxa teams to reach VTR today for tigress translocation
AKU employees oppose inquiry panels conduct
Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganpati Bappa Morya chants fill air
Bihar UCC War: JD(U) Rejects Implementation Plan, RJD Slams BJP After Amit Shahs Big Announcement
A political storm has erupted in Bihar over the Uniform Civil Code after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the UCC would be implemented across 21 NDA-ruled states by 2029. Senior JD(U) leader Shyam Rajak has reiterated that while the party supported the UCC Bill in Parliament, it opposes implementation in Bihar, citing Nitish Kumars earlier stand. Other JD(U) leaders have adopted a cautious approach, with Sanjay Kumar Jha set to discuss the issue with Shah. Meanwhile, the RJD has accused the BJP of politics of hate and vowed to oppose any move that could hurt Muslims.
Man accused of raping, killing woman arrested in Bhojpur
Nottinghamshire Sign India Seamer Mukesh Kumar For Last Two County Games
Duleep Trophy Final: Nottinghamshire have signed India fast bowler Mukesh Kumar for the final two matches of the 2026 County Championship season, the English county club announced on Monday. IANS had previously reported on August 30 that there was a possibility of Mukesh and senior India pacer Mohammed Shami turning out in the later stages of the County Championship. This news agency also understands that Shami too might sign a deal to play in fag end of the County Championship. Mukesh, 32, has taken 32 wickets across 26 international appearances for India, including three Test matches. His arrival will boost Nottinghamshires bowling attack for their crucial run-in period in the competition. The county stint marks the first time Mukesh will represent a domestic team outside India. I am really pleased to sign for Nottinghamshire at an important time in the season. I cant wait to arrive in England and test myself in county cricket. I want to contribute as much as I can while I am here to help Nottinghamshire to success, and I am looking forward to working with the coaches and my new teammates. Coming to England is always a good challenge, and I am excited by the chance to play for a new team in new conditions. I will give everything while I am part of Nottinghamshire, and I hope together, we can be successful, he said in a statement. Mukesh, who turns out for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, brings a formidable first-class record to Trent Bridge, having taken 233 wickets in 61 matches at an average of 21.79, including ten five-wicket hauls. His career-best match figures of 10-50 came for Bengal against Bihar in the Ranji Trophy in February 2024. Mukesh arrives in England match-ready after helping East Zone secure the Duleep Trophy title in Chennai. Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores welcomed the signing, highlighting the bowler's pedigree and recent competitive rhythm. Mukesh, who turns out for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, brings a formidable first-class record to Trent Bridge, having taken 233 wickets in 61 matches at an average of 21.79, including ten five-wicket hauls. His career-best match figures of 10-50 came for Bengal against Bihar in the Ranji Trophy in February 2024. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Mukesh's quality as a bowler is not in question, knowing how hard it is to compete to play in the Indian team. It's fantastic for us to get a player whos match-ready and in full competitive mode ahead of two big games for the club, he added. Article Source: IANS
Health facilities across state to get facelift by Oct 31
Two-day Hindi Sahitya Samagam to be held in Patna before March: CM
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary attends Shri Ganesh Utsav Puja in Patna
The News Mill
Nearly 50 lakh hit by floods in Bihar as swollen rivers breach danger marks
From Varanasi to Vadnagar, BJYM plans 21-Day youth 'seva yatra' across 10 states
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Sep 14 (IANS) More than 1,000 young volunteers from across the country will take part in a 21-day Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Seva Yatra connecting Prime Minister Narendra Modis childhood home town of Vadnagar in Gujarat with his parliamentary constituency Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, organisers said on Monday. The Varanasi to Vadnagar Seva Yatra will begin on September 17 and continue until October 7, with participants travelling simultaneously in two directions from Vadnagar to Varanasi and from Varanasi to Vadnagar. The campaign is being organised to mark and draw inspiration from 25 years of PM Modis public life and his emphasis on public service and nation-building. BJYM national president and Vadodara Lok Sabha MP Hemang Joshi said the programme would not be limited to a motorcycle journey, but would seek to involve young people in community service activities along the routes. Prime Minister Narendra Modis 25 years of public life represent an inspiring journey of service, dedication and putting the nation first for the youth of India. This Seva Yatra from Varanasi to Vadnagar is an effort to transform that philosophy of life into a resolve of the nations youth, Joshi said. Our objective is to ensure that the youth of India are not merely spectators of change, but active participants in nation-building, he added. The participants, or Seva Yatris, will come from several parts of the country, including Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Bihar and the Northeast. The organisers said the participation of young people from different regions, languages and cultures was intended to reinforce the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. The Yatra will cover 20 routes named after sacred Indian rivers and pass through 10 states, 193 districts, 773 tehsils and 1,159 villages. At each halt, the participants will undertake service-oriented activities. Nearly 25 types of initiatives have been planned, including tree plantation and the creation of Seva Vatikas, cleanliness drives, Nasha Mukt Bharat and TB Mukt Bharat campaigns, water conservation and awareness programmes for a plastic-free India. The programme will also include the honouring of saints and seers and felicitations for sanitation workers. Joshi said the organisers would avoid traditional receptions for the participants and instead focus on cleanliness and community service. Under the Swachhta Se Swagat initiative, local BJYM workers will conduct cleanliness drives at each destination two days before the Seva Yatris arrive, he added. The Yatra will also establish a symbolic connection between Vadnagar and Varanasi through river water. Participants travelling from Vadnagar to Varanasi will carry sacred water from rivers in Gujarat for Jalabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Those travelling in the opposite direction will carry sacred water from rivers in Uttar Pradesh for Jalabhishek at Shri Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Vadnagar. Joshi said rivers were central to Indias civilisation, culture and faith and that using river water as a symbol of the Yatra was intended to represent cultural unity and a shared commitment to service. Nation-building is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is the responsibility of every citizen, and particularly of the youth. Inspired by PM Modi, we want every young Indian to make seva a part of their life in their respective communities and contribute to the building of a Viksit Bharat, he asserted. The Yatra will therefore seek to link Vadnagar, associated with PM Modis childhood and formative years, with Varanasi, where he has represented the constituency in the Lok Sabha and continued his public life.
Min reviews Pitripaksh preparations; five pind daan packages launched
Boat ambulances take healthcare to flood-hit Katihar villages
UCC debate intensifies after HM Amit Shahs 2029 implementation push (Lead)
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) The debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) intensified on Monday, a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that it would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029, with BJP leaders and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) backing the move while some NDA partners and Muslim organisations called for wider consultations. BJP leaders strongly endorsed Shah's announcement, arguing that a common set of laws was necessary for national unity and social reform. BJP MP Naresh Bansal said Uttarakhand, his home state and the first in the country to enact a UCC law, had shown the way for other states. He described the legislation as necessary for the country and said it would help safeguard demographic balance. BJP West Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya said the party had consistently supported a UCC and asserted that there should be one law in one country. State Minister Dilip Ghosh also backed implementation, saying the process should begin in Bengal and subsequently extend to other states. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Shah's announcement was in line with Article 44 of the Constitution, which directs the state to endeavour towards securing a Uniform Civil Code for citizens. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also welcomed the move, saying the UCC should be implemented in BJP-ruled states before 2029. The VHP welcomed Shah's announcement, with spokesperson Vinod Bansal saying implementation would be a milestone for women's and children's rights by addressing gender inequality and discrimination. He also appealed to non-BJP-ruled states to initiate the process. However, the announcement has also exposed differing views within the NDA. Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas leader Chirag Paswan called for the proposed UCC draft to first be made public and sought extensive consultations, pointing to India's diverse customs, traditions and constitutional protections for tribal communities and special-category regions. Meanwhile, opposition-ruled Jharkhand Minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav too adopted a cautious approach, saying the state government would examine all aspects and there was no need to rush to conclusions. Opposition to the UCC also emerged from Muslim organisations. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board opposed the proposed legislation, with Bhopal Shahar Qazi Mushtaq Ali Nadvi questioning its necessity in view of constitutional guarantees on religious freedom and minority rights. He appealed to people to participate in a September 17 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari criticised the BJP, alleging that the UCC was being used to divert attention from economic and social issues. The UCC seeks to establish a common framework governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption irrespective of religious affiliation. Bills have been passed in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh, though the law is currently in force only in Uttarakhand.
Rift within NDA over implementation of UCC in Bihar
Ruling JD (U) MLA and former Minister Shyam Rajak said that UCC will not be implemented in Bihar at any cost
Bihar to host two-day Hindi sahitya samagam, top litterateurs to be invited
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 14 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday announced that the state government will organise a two-day Hindi Sahitya Samagam in Patna to promote the literary and cultural expansion of Hindi, marking the occasion of Hindi Diwas. Addressing the gathering, CM Choudhary said that Hindi is not merely a medium of communication but an expression of the country's identity, culture, civilisation and rich literary heritage. He said that Hindi deserves respect and recognition, and continuous efforts must be made to promote and expand its use. Choudhary noted that Hindi is among the world's most widely spoken languages and ranks third globally. He described it as an integral part of India's social and cultural life. Highlighting Bihar's contribution to Hindi literature, the Chief Minister said the state has played a significant role in enriching the language. He recalled the contributions of literary figures such as Vidyapati, 'Rashtrakavi' Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar' and 'Jan-Kavi' Nagarjun, stating that their works elevated Hindi literature to new heights and provided direction to society. Choudhary announced that the Bihar government would organise a two-day Hindi Sahitya Samagam to promote the literary and cultural expansion of Hindi. He said prominent Hindi litterateurs, writers, poets and scholars from across the country would be invited to participate in the event. He directed the concerned officials to complete preparations for the conclave within the stipulated timeframe. Hindi Diwas instills in us a sense of both pride and responsibility towards our language, he said. Referring to the flood situation in Bihar, Choudhary said the state government was making continuous efforts to find a permanent solution to the recurring problem of floods. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had remained sensitive to the flood situation despite being engaged in international engagements, including the BRICS summit. According to Choudhary, a Central team led by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan would visit Bihar to assess the flood situation and evaluate the damage caused by the disaster. The Chief Minister said Bihar's rivers form the backbone of the state's life and economy, making it essential to focus on their conservation and effective management. He stressed the need for a long-term approach towards river interlinking, conservation, water management and flood control. The government, he said, is working to minimise loss of life and property caused by floods while finding a permanent and effective solution to the problem. During the programme, Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department, welcomed Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary by presenting him with a green plant, an angavastra and two books -- Maila Anchal and Dinkar Ki Diary. On the occasion, Choudhary also launched the official language magazine.
